An 80-year-old dementia patient was allegedly sexually assaulted by her longtime neighbor, former village chief Mr. B.
The incident happened May 8, Korean Parents’ Day, while the victim’s family was briefly away. The victim’s daughter, Ms. A, was alerted when her sister called saying,
“Someone’s hugging mom.”
Ms. A checked home surveillance footage showing Mr. B lying next to her mother and touching her inappropriately.
Mr. B, in his 70s and once a trusted neighborhood figure, fled before police arrived but was arrested three hours later. He now faces trespassing and sexual assault charges.
Mr. B’s legal team claims the two had a 20-year relationship and that the act was consensual, denying the woman’s dementia diagnosis.
The victim’s family strongly rejected these claims as an attempt to
“defile”
the victim. Ms. A said in an interview,
“He used her vulnerability. This is not just a crime, but a disgrace.”
Despite serious charges, Mr. B was released on bail for health reasons, under electronic monitoring. Prosecutors opposed his release, citing inconsistent statements and the victim family’s pursuit of justice.
The next court hearing is set for July 14.
This case has reignited calls for stronger protections for dementia patients and harsher penalties for crimes against vulnerable individuals.
